Barwell's bandwagon moves back into FA Trophy territory on Saturday when FC United of Manchester are the visitors to Kirkby Road.

To say the Canaries are soaring at the moment would be an understatement - wins over Whitby Town and then at Stourbridge on Tuesday have elevated them into fifth place in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League’s top flight.

They have games in hand on three of the teams above them and far from playing down their chances, manager Jimmy Ginnelly is welcoming the success.

“Not many teams go to Stourbridge and win - FC United lost there on Saturday. If we can get three points there we have to start getting into the mindset that we are play-off contenders and even have an outisde chance of the title,” said Ginnelly.

“It shows how far we have come in that last year, we couldn’t win a game without Rich Lavery in the team but that’s not been the case, although he did come through Tuesday unscathed.

“We have bags of energy and legs all over the pitch - we’re obviously the form team at the minute and flying.”

Results speak for themselves, five wins on the bounce in all competitions and six from the last seven in the league have seen a rapid march up the table.

“I’d say Tuesday was our best performance of the season. The boys are listening to everything we tell them and are a joy to watch. Perhaps no-one thinks we can play and that suits us because we are outfootballing some teams at times.”

Well-supported United will provide another stern test for Barwell in third qualifying round of the Trophy.

“Whoever wins I think it will be a cracking game of football,” said Ginnelly. “They’ll come here to have a go and we’ll be doing the same and I want the lads to go out and enjoy it.

“The league is our priority obviously but this will be another chance to gauge how far we have come.”

* A solid team performance gave Barwell three deserved points as they rose to fifth in the table with a 1-0 win at Stourbridge.

Goals from Ant Carney and Nigel Julien were the difference between the two sides but Liam Castle in the Barwell goal was rarely troubled.

The home side looked off the pace in rainy conditions, although Stourbridge threatened early on with a free kick that drifted just past the post.

Barwell took over and Danny Jenno had a chance from a free kick from 20 yards that drew a good save from Dean Coleman in the home goal.

A ball over the top of the Stourbridge defence gave Ant Carney the chance to run at the Glassboys defence. He turned Exodus Geohaghon and slid the ball goalwards. Coleman got a hand to the effort but could not prevent Barwell taking the lead.

George Bowerman tried his luck and managed to round Castle but an alert Jenno was well placed to clear his lines.

The second half had Stourbridge come out determined to repair the damage but although an early chance was squandered by Kristian Ramsey-Dickson, it was Barwell who extended their lead.

Alex Tomkinson latched onto a long ball and unleashed a volley that had the woodwork rattling. The ball fell to Julien who stroked it home from close range.

Barwell are at home to Gresley in the Doodson League Cup on Tuesday subject to a draw on Saturday.